Vivienne Robertson, BACP

Client-centred therapy focuses on listening and understanding. The therapist creates a non-judgemental space where people can talk about what matters most and start to find their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts influence feelings and behaviour and teaches practical strategies for changing unhelpful patterns.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, DBT, offers skills for managing strong emotions and improving relationships. It includes simple tools for distress tolerance and emotional regulation that can be practised between sessions. Vivienne draws on these methods to support people with anxiety, relationship strain, anger and coping with life changes.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist discusses goals, preferences and what has and hasn’t helped before. That collaborative process guides whether sessions emphasise listening, practical CBT tasks, DBT skills or mindfulness practices. Online therapy gives practical flexibility. Video calls let people read facial cues and have a fuller conversation. Phone sessions require less bandwidth and can be easier when a quick check-in fits a work break. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for short updates, written reflection and ongoing coaching between longer sessions. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt these formats to match the person’s needs and schedule.